Substituted thiosemicarbazides, their manufacture and use as plant growth regulants

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a class of novel 1-benzoyl-3-thiosemicarbazides which are useful as plant growth regulants. The present invention is also directed to methods and formulations for plant growth regulation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 942,232 filed Sept. 14, 1978 abandoned and U.S. Ser. No. 000,851 filed Jan. 3, 1979 abandoned, which are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a class of novel 1-benzoyl-3-thiosemicarbazides which are useful as plant growth regulants. The present invention is also directed to methods and formulations for plant growth regulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a class of novel 1-benzoyl-3-thiosemicarbazides of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R is ##STR2## R¹ is --OH, --NR'R", C₁ -C₄ alkyl or hydrogen; Q is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ straight chain alkyl;

each of R' and R" independently is hydrogen or C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl, C₃ -C₇ alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl C₁ -C₂ alkyl where the phenyl group is optionally mono-substituted by fluoro or methoxy, or R' and R" taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino ring;

each R² independently is chloro, fluoro, bromo, methyl, nitro or trifluoromethyl;

m is 0, 1 or 2;

R³ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl containing no α,β unsaturation, 2-hydroxyethyl, phenyl or benzyl;

R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₃ alkyl;

Ar is naphthyl, anthranyl, phenanthryl or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR3## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl;

R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino;

n is 0, 1, 2 or 3;

q is 0 or 1;

the sum of n plus q does not exceed 3; and p is 0 or 1;

or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.

The present invention is also directed to methods employing and formulations comprising the foregoing compounds for plant growth regulation.

SYNTHESIS OF THE COMPOUNDS

The compounds of the invention may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II: ##STR4## with a phthalic acid derivative of formula: ##STR5## where R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and m are as defined above and where X is a good leaving group, preferably a halogen atom such as chlorine.

It is highly preferred that the above reaction be effected in a homogeneous system, i.e. be a uniphase reaction. Thus, an organic solvent is advantageously utilized which is capable of dissolving both reactants. Suitable organic solvents which may be mentioned are polar organic solvents such as chloroform, ethylene dichloride, isopropanol, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and dimethylformamide and methylenedichloride.

The reaction is preferably effected without drastic heating, temperatures in the range from -40° to 100° C. generally being suitable--although the utilization of temperatures in the range from room temperature to 50° C. is preferred.

Many of the intermediates of formula II are believed to be novel.

Free acids of formula I (i.e. compounds in which R¹ is hydroxyl) may be converted to salts or esters. To effect salt formation the acid can be neutralized with any suitable base using conventional techniques. For instance, the potassium salt can be generated from the free acid by reaction with KOH in isopropanol. Generally, any suitable inert solvent capable of dissolving at least one of the reactants to an appreciable extent may be utilized. Preferred temperatures for the neutralization lie in the range of from -40° to 100° C., most preferably from room temperature to 50° C. As well as metal salts, ammonium and quaternary ammonium salts can be formed by the neutralization process, as can amine salts such as those formed with pyridine or diethylamine. The salts of the invention can also be formed by conventional double decomposition techniques.

The compounds of formula II in which R⁴ is hydrogen can be prepared by reaction of the corresponding isothiocyanate of formula V:

    S═C═N--Ar                                          V

and the corresponding hydrazine of formula:

    H.sub.2 N--NHR.sup.3

at a temperature from 0° to 50° C. in an inert organic solvent such as toluene capable of dissolving both reactants to an appreciable extent. This procedure is described in Acta. Chemica. Scandinavica., 22 (1), 1, 1968. Compounds of formula II in which R⁴ is not hydrogen can be prepared by reacting the corresponding N-alkyl-N-arylthiocarbamyl chloride of formula VI: ##STR6## with a hydrazine of formula:

    H.sub.2 N--NHR.sup.3

The reaction may be effected in inert organic solvents such as diethyl ether and at a temperature in the range from 0° to 50° C., preferably at room temperature.

Compounds of formula VI may be prepared by the general method described in Chemical Abstracts, 58, 4543, i.e. reaction of the corresponding amine of formula ArNHR⁴ and thiophosgene in an ethereal solvent under anhydrous conditions at a temperature between 0° C. and room temperature.

Esters of formula I can be converted to other esters by methods well-known to those skilled in the art. For instance, ester exchange reactions may be accomplished by dissolving the ester in an excess of the alcohol with which exchange is desired. A small amount of base such as tertiary butylamine may be utilized to promote the reaction which is advantageously effected at temperatures in the range from -40° to 60° C. preferably from 0° to 50° C., most preferably at about room temperature.

Compounds of formula I in which R¹ is NR'R" can be prepared by reacting the corresponding methyl ester (R is COOMe) with the appropriate amine of formula HNR'R".

The methyl esters of formula I (i.e. R is COOMe) can also be used to prepare the corresponding hydroxymethyl (i.e. R is CH₂ OH) compounds. Thus, the methyl esters can be reduced to the corresponding hydroxymethyl derivatives by treatment with chemical reducing agents such as sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). This reduction is preferably effected at a temperature in the range from 0° to 50° C., most preferably at 5° C. to room temperature. Suitable organic solvents which may be mentioned are the alkanolic solvents such as ethanol. Similarly, compounds of formula I in which R is --CHQOH where Q is C₁ -C₄ alkyl can be prepared by reduction of the corresponding acyl derivatives (R is --COR¹ where R¹ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl) using chemical reducing agents such as lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride as above.

The following Preparations will serve to illustrate the preparation of intermediates of use in the invention. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius.

PREPARATION 1 Methyl hydrogen phthalate

Methanol (300 ml) was added in a single portion to 148 g (1.00 mole) of phthalic anhydride and the resulting suspension was stirred and heated at reflux for 36 hours; solution occurred during heating. The solvent was removed and the product was recrystallized from a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to afford 114.6 g of the title compound (Lit.: Beilstein, 9 797-m.p. 82.5°-84°).

PREPARATION 2 Methyl phthaloyl chloride

Methyl hydrogen phthalate (110.0 g, 0.611 mole) and thionyl chloride (77.4 g, 0.650 mole) were mixed in 200 ml of chloroform, keeping the temperature below 30°. After stirring for two hours at room temperature, the system was heated at reflux for five hours. The solvent was evaporated at reduced pressure and the crude product (120.9 g) was used without further purification (Lit.: Beilstein, 9, 797-no constants).

PREPARATION 3 2,4-Dimethyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

To a solution of N-methyl-N-phenylthiocarbamyl chloride (79.6 g, 0.43 mole) in 250 ml dry ether, a solution of 39.5 g (0.86 mole) methylhydrazine in 100 ml of dry ether was added dropwise with stirring below 10° C. The reaction temperature was allowed to increase to room temperature and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to low volume and diluted with about 300 ml hexane. After stirring for a few hours the hexane layer was decanted. The hexane immiscible layer was reevaporated to remove organic solvents, giving the desired product, (70.0 g) as a thick orange liquid.

PREPARATION 4 4-Methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

To a solution of 7.7 g (0.24 mole) anhydrous hydrazine in 200 ml of dry ether, N-methyl-N-phenylthiocarbamyl chloride (20.4 g, 0.11 mole) was added below 5° C. with stirring. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was filtered and the residue resuspended in about 100 ml water and stirred. Filtration gave 8.8 g of the desired product as a whitish powder, m.p. 121°-22°.

PREPARATION 5 1-Amino-3-(2-naphthyl)thiourea

Anhydrous hydrazine (1.1 g, 0.035 mole) was dissolved in 150 ml of diethyl ether in a round-bottomed flask. 2-Naphthyl isothiocyanate (4.6 g, 0.25 mole) was added dropwise to the mixture keeping the pot temperature below 30° during the addition. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reactants were then cooled and the title product filtered off. The product was air-dried, yield 4.5 g, m.p. 174°-6°.

PREPARATION 6 2-Benzyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

Benzylhydrazine (30 g, 0.0245 mole) was dissolved in 200 ml of isopropanol and cooled to 0°-5° C. Phenyl isothiocyanate (33.1 g, 0.0245 mole) was then added dropwise in 50 ml of petroleum ether. The title compound precipitated from solution during this phase of the operation. After addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at 40°-45° C. for one hour. The title product was filtered off as a white solid, m.p. 121°-3° C., yield 43 g.

The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds of formula I. All temperatures are in degrees Celsius.

EXAMPLE 1 1-(2-Carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

A solution of 45.3 g (0.25 mole) of 2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide and 19.8 g (0.25 mole) of pyridine in 800 ml of 1,2-dimethoxyethane was stirred at room temperature while 49.8 g (0.25 mole) of methyl phthaloyl chloride in 100 ml of 1,2-dimethoxyethane was added dropwise over a period of two hours. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hours at room temperature. At the end of this time the contents of the flask were poured into ice water. The solid which formed was collected and amounted to 73.3 g (85%); the melting point was 153.5°-154°.

EXAMPLE 2 1-(2-Carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-isopropyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

2-Isopropyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (0.25 mole) prepared by reacting isopropylhydrazine with phenyl isothiocyanate according to the procedure of Acta. Chem. Scand. 22 (1), 1 (1968) and pyridine (0.25 mole) were dissolved in 125 ml of dimethoxyethane and placed in a 300 ml 3-necked flask equipped with funnel and thermometer. The contents were cooled to 10°-15° and methyl phthaloyl chloride (0.25 mole) in 25 ml of dimethoxyethane, added dropwise. The contents were then stirred overnight at room temperature. The following morning the contents were poured into ice water yielding the title product as a solid which was rinsed with hexane and ethyl acetate. No further purification was required. (m.p. 145°-147°), yield, 15.4 g.

EXAMPLE 3 1-(2-Carbomethoxybenzoyl)-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

The title compound was prepared by the procedure of Example 2. The resultant solid was rinsed with hexane and ethyl acetate and required no further purification. (m.p. 140°-142° C.) yield, 87%.

EXAMPLE 4 1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

2-Methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (0.2 mole) was dissolved in about 75 ml of dimethylformamide and placed in a 3-necked round-bottomed flask equipped with magnetic stirrer, condenser, additional powder funnel and thermometer. Phthalic anhydride (0.2 mole) was added in portions at 20°. The contents were stirred overnight at room temperature, then poured into ice water the following morning. The resulting solid title product was recrystallized from a mixture of hexane and ethanol. (m.p. 155°-156°) yield, 70%.

EXAMPLE 5 1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

The same apparatus and procedure were used as in Example 4. After all the phthalic anhydride was added the contents were heated at 80° for about 3 hours. The contents were then cooled and poured into ice water resulting in production of the title compound as a solid. This solid was rinsed with a mixture of hexane and ethanol. (m.p. 149°-151°) yield, 66%.

EXAMPLE 6 1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, sodium salt

The free acid of Example 4 was suspended in methanol and placed in a 300 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with magnetic stirrer and condenser. Sodium methoxide was suspended in methanol and added to the reaction flask. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes during which time all solids went into solution. The contents were then evaporated, yielding the title product. Yield, 7.6 g, m.p. 195°-197° (dec.).

EXAMPLE 7 1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, ammonium salt

The free acid compound of Example 4 was suspended in 100 ml of ethanol and placed in a 300 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with magnetic stirrer and condenser. Twenty ml of dimethoxyethane were added to make the compound go into solution. After most of the solid had gone into solution, NH₄ OH was added. There was no discernible heat evolution. Solvents were evaporated. The resulting solid (title product) was refluxed in a mixture of hexane and ethanol and was then recovered by filtration. Yield 4.3 g. (m.p. 165°-166°).

EXAMPLE 8 1-(2-(Carboisopropoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

To a solution of 5.0 g (0.014 mole) of 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide in 75 ml of isopropyl alcohol was added 1.0 g (0.014 mole) of tert-butylamine and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 16-18 hours. Most of the isopropyl alcohol was removed at reduced pressure, and water was added and the resulting precipitate was collected. The title compound thus produced had a melting point of 115°-117°.

EXAMPLE 9 2-Benzyl-1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

Phthalic anhydride (3.7 g, 0.25 mole) and 2-benzyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (6.43 g, 0.25 mole) were dissolved in 100 ml of dimethylformamide and heated at 90° C. for three hours. The solution was cooled then poured into ice water with stirring. The title product was filtered off as a solid material. Recrystallization gave a substance having a melting point of 140°-142°.

EXAMPLE 10 1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, potassium salt

1-(2-Carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (60 g, 0.182 mole) was dissolved (slurried) in 400 ml ethanol. Potassium hydroxide (10.2 g) was dissolved in 200 ml ethanol and added to the acid-ethanol mixture. Ethanol was evaporated until a crystalline product precipitated, yield 51 g and m.p. 182°-183°.

EXAMPLE 11 1-(2-Dimethylaminocarbonylbenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

1-(2-Carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (5 g, 0.148 mole) was suspended in aqueous dimethylamine. The pH of the suspension was adjusted to about 3. A tacky precipitate was formed which became solid after addition of diethyl ether. This solid--title product--had a melting point of 140°-143°, yield 3.7 g.

EXAMPLE 12 1-(2-Hydroxymethylbenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-thiosemicarbazide

1-(2-Carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-thiosemicarbazide (7.2 g) was dissolved in ethanol (100 ml). The solution was cooled to below 10° and sodium borohydride (1.1 g) added. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 60 hours. Water was then added with production of an amorphous precipitate. Dilute hydrochloric acid was then added to the filtrate to bring it to pH 7 and further precipitate removed by filtration. The filtrate was thereupon acidified to yield the title product as a solid, m.p. 136°-137°, yield 3.4 g.

Using the foregoing procedures a large number of other compounds of formula I were prepared. These compounds, as well as the compounds prepared by the processes of Examples 1 to 12, are listed in the following Table I.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________      ##STR7##                                                                      Compound                                                                       No.   R            m R.sup.2                                                                             R.sup.3 R.sup.4                                                                            Ar     M.P. °C.                   __________________________________________________________________________      597  COOCH.sub.3  0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 153.5-154°                 1685  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                                                     H   phenyl 145-147°                   1686  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   phenyl 140-142°                   2005  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 155-156°                   2008  COOH         " --   H       H   phenyl 149-151°                   2044  COONa        " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl High melt                                                                      solid                             2047  COONH.sub.4  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 165-166°                   2322  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   benzyl 144-146°                   2324  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   benzyl 133-135°                   2325  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-methyl-                                                                             138-140°                                                         phenyl                                   2341  COONa        " --   H       H   benzyl High melt                                                                      solid                             2342  COONH.sub.4  " --   H       H   benzyl 173-175°                   2370  COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 117-119°                   2371  COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                        " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 142-145°                   2372  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3                                                                " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl  98-100°                   2388  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-chloro-                                                                             142-146°                                                         4-methyl-                                                                      phenyl                                   2389  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-methyl-                                                                             138-140°                                                         phenyl                                   2390  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-methoxy-                                                                            142-144°                                                         phenyl                                   2391  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-fluoro-                                                                             152-154°                                                         phenyl                                   2392  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             127-129°                                                         2-methyl-                                                                      phenyl                                   2414  COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Cl                                                                     " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 126-131°                   2415  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.6 Cl                                                                      " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2418  COOH         " --   benzyl  H   phenyl 140-142°                   2422  COOCH.sub.3  " --   benzyl  H   phenyl 103-106°                   2432  COOH         1 3-CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 123-126°                   2433  COOH         " 3-CH.sub.3                                                                          H       H   phenyl 122-123°                   2434  COONH.sub.4  " 3-CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 154-157°                   2444  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.4 CH.sub.3                                                                0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 131-133°                   2445                                                                                  ##STR8##    " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 126-129°                   2446  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH.sub.3                                                                " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 113-117°                   2450  COOH         1 6-NO.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 160-163°                   2470  CONH.sub.2   0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 161-163°                   2472  CON(CH.sub.3).sub.2                                                                         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 140-143°                   2474  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-chloro-                                                                             165-166°                                                         phenyl                                   2479  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   benzyl 161-163°                   2480  COOH         " --   H       H   benzyl 183-184°                   2481  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-methyl-                                                                             156-158°                                                         phenyl                                   2482  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-methyl-                                                                             133-135°                                                         phenyl                                   2483  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-fluoro-                                                                             137-139°                                                         phenyl                                   2484  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             158-161°                                                         2-methyl-                                                                      phenyl                                   2487  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             167-168°                                                         phenyl                                   2488  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             165-166°                                                         phenyl                                   2563  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-chloro-                                                                             151-153°                                                         phenyl                                   2564  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-nitro-                                                                              171-173°                                                         phenyl                                   2567  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             149-151°                                                         phenyl                                   2568  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             146-148°                                                         phenyl                                   2569  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-chloro-                                                                             159-161°                                                         phenyl                                   2570  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-chloro-                                                                             143-145°                                                         phenyl                                   2571  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-nitro-                                                                              195-197°                                                         phenyl                                   2572  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-(tri-                                                                               141-143°                                                         fluoro-                                                                        methyl)-                                                                       phenyl                                   2573  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-methoxy-                                                                            132-134°                                                         phenyl                                   2574  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-chloro-4-                                                                           155-158°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   2576   COOCH.sub.3 " --   H       H   2-nitro-                                                                              144-146°                                                         phenyl                                   2577  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-methyl-                                                                             138-140°                                                         phenyl                                   2578  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   2-chloro-                                                                             149-151°                                                         phenyl                                   2579  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-naphthyl                                                                            135-137°                   2580  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   2-fluoro-                                                                             151-153°                                                         phenyl                                   2581  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   4-fluoro-                                                                             163-165°                                                         phenyl                                   2583  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   4-methyl-                                                                             151-153°                                                         phenyl                                   2584  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-fluoro-                                                                             158-160°                                                         phenyl                                   2585  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   4-chloro-                                                                             162-164°                                                         phenyl                                   2586  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-chloro-                                                                             153-155°                                                         phenyl                                   2588  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3-(tri-                                                                               161-163°                                                         fluoro-                                                                        methyl)-                                                                       phenyl                                   2589  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   1-naphthyl                                                                            146-148°                   2590  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   2-naphthyl                                                                            148-150°                   2591  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-chloro-                                                                             157-158°                                                         phenyl                                   2592  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-nitro-                                                                              200°                                                             phenyl                                   2594  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   1-naphthyl                                                                            159-160°                   2595  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-naphthyl                                                                            112-114°                   2597  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-(tri-                                                                               155-156°                                                         fluoro-                                                                        methyl)-                                                                       phenyl                                   2598  COOH         " --   H       H   3-methoxy-                                                                            150-152°                                                         phenyl                                   2599  COOH         " --   H       H   3-chloro-                                                                             178-183°                                                         4-methyl-                                                                      phenyl                                   2603  COOH         " --   H       H   2-nitro-                                                                              170-171                                                                 phenyl                                   2604  COOH         " --   H       H   3-methyl-                                                                             169-170°                                                         phenyl                                   2605  COOH         " --   H       H   2-chloro-                                                                             165-167°                                                         phenyl                                   2622  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.11 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2627  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.10 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2628  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2633                                                                                  ##STR9##    " --   CH.sub. 3                                                                              H   phenyl oil                               2634                                                                                  ##STR10##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2635                                                                                  ##STR11##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2636                                                                                  ##STR12##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2637                                                                                  ##STR13##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2641  COOH         " --   CH.sub.2 CH                                                                            H   phenyl 105-125°                                             CH.sub.2                                             2668                                                                                  ##STR14##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2669                                                                                  ##STR15##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 131-133°                   2697  COOH         " --   H       H   2-naphthyl                                                                            171-174°                   2698  COOH         " --   H       H   1-naphthyl                                                                            158-159°                   2699  COOH         " --   H       H   3-(tri-                                                                               167-170°                                                         fluoro-                                                                        methyl)-                                                                       phenyl                                   2700  COOH         " --   H       H   4-nitro-                                                                              298-302°                                                         phenyl                                   2701  COOH         " --   H       H   3-chloro-                                                                             169-170°                                                         phenyl                                   2702  COOH         " --   H       H   4-chloro-                                                                             187-189°                                                         phenyl                                   2704  COOH         " --   H       H   3-fluoro-                                                                             167-168                                                                 phenyl                                   2705  COOH         " --   H       H   4-methyl-                                                                             164-166°                                                         phenyl                                   2707  COOH         " --   H        H  4-fluoro-                                                                             179-181°                                                         phenyl                                   2708  COOH         " --   H       H   2-fluoro-                                                                             170-171°                                                         phenyl                                   2721  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,4-di-                                                                               165-166°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   2722  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-methoxy-                                                                            168-170°                                                         phenyl                                   2723  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-methyl-                                                                             173-180°                                                         phenyl                                   2724  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-bromo-                                                                              175-176°                                                         phenyl                                   2725  COOH         " --   H       H   3,4-di-                                                                               178-179°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   2726  COOH         " --   H       H   4-methoxy-                                                                            198-201°                                                         phenyl                                   2727  COOH         " --   H       H   2-methyl-                                                                             179-180°                                                         phenyl                                   2728  COOH         " --   H       H   4-bromo-                                                                              178-181°                                                         phenyl                                   2729                                                                                  ##STR16##   " --   H       H   phenyl crude solid                       2732                                                                                  ##STR17##   " --   H       H   3-fluoro- phenyl                                                                      crude solid                       2733  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   H       H   phenyl crude solid                       2734  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             oil                                                                     phenyl                                   2735  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             crude solid                                                             phenyl                                   2736  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.15 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-chloro-                                                                             crude solid                                                             phenyl                                   2740  COOC.sub.2 H.sub.4OC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                          " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             crude solid                                                             phenyl                                   2741  COOC.sub.2 H.sub.4OC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                          " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-fluoro-                                                                             crude solid                                                             phenyl                                   2742  COOC.sub.2 H.sub.4OC.sub.4 H.sub.9                                                          " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-chloro-                                                                             crude solid                                                             phenyl                                   2743  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.9 CH.sub.3                                                                " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               2744  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.17 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl gum                               2745  COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2Br                                                                      " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl gum                               2746  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                " --   H       H   phenyl 117-121°                   2749  COO(CH.sub.2).sub.9 CH.sub.3                                                                " --   H       H   phenyl 103-105°                   2750  COOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                        " --   H       H   phenyl 148-150°                   2753  COOH         1 5-CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 131-132°                   2754  COOH         " 5-CH.sub.3                                                                          H       H   phenyl 137-139°                   2756  COOCH.sub.3  " 6-NO.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 130-135°                   2760  COOCH.sub.3  " 5-CH.sub.3                                                                          H       H   phenyl 111-113°                   2762  COONH.sub.4  " 5-CH.sub.3                                                                          H       H   phenyl 170-172°                   2771  COONH.sub.4  " 6-CH.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 102° (0)                   2772  COOH         " 5-NO.sub.2                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 123-124°                   2777                                                                                  ##STR18##   " --   H       H   phenyl 119-124°                   2778                                                                                  ##STR19##   " --   H       H   phenyl crude solid                       2779                                                                                  ##STR20##   0 --   H       H   phenyl crude solid                       2781  COOC.sub.2 H.sub.4OCH.sub.3                                                                 " --   H       H   phenyl crude solid                       2783  COOC.sub.3 H.sub.6Br                                                                        " --   H       H   phenyl  72-75°                    2784  COOH         1 3-F  CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 134-136°                   2787  COOH         " 3-F  H       H   phenyl 149-150°                   2788  COOH         0 --   CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                                      H   phenyl 153-155°                   2790  COOH, pyridine                                                                 salt         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 126-129°                   2795  COOH         " --   H       CH.sub.3                                                                           phenyl 168°                       2796  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       CH.sub.3                                                                           phenyl  95-99°                    2798  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               CH.sub.3                                                                           phenyl 105-106°                   2799  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   3,4-di-                                                                               155-157°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   2800  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   4-methoxy-                                                                            149-151°                                                         phenyl                                   2801  COOCH.sub. 3 " --   H       H   2-methyl-                                                                             175-177°                                                         phenyl                                   2802  COOCH.sub.3  " --   H       H   4-bromo-                                                                              163-165°                                                         phenyl                                   2803  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-methoxy-                                                                            126-128°                                                         phenyl                                   2818  COOH         1 5-   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 125-127°                                        chloro                                                    2819  COOH         " 5-   H       H   phenyl 280-283°                                        chloro                                                    2822  COOCH.sub.3  0 --   C.sub.2 H.sub.5                                                                        H   phenyl 166-168°                   2844  COOH, tri-                                                                     ethylene-    " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 189-190°                         diamine                                                                        salt                                                                     2845  COOK         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 181-183°                   2850  COOH         2 4,5- CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 320-323°                                        dichloro                                                  2851  COOH         " 4,5- H       H   phenyl 158-159°                                        dichloro                                                  2852  COONH.sub.4  " 4,5- H       H   phenyl 170 (dec.)                                             dichloro                                                  2853  COONH.sub.4  " 4,5- CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 112-115°                                        dichloro                                                  2854  COOLi        0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl  --                               2855  COOH         1 3-Br CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl gum                               2859  COONH.sub.4  " 6-F  CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 163-165°                   2862  COONH.sub.4  " 6-F  H       H   phenyl 180 (dec.)                        2863  COOH         2 3,6- CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 116-117°                                        dichloro                                                  2879  COOCH.sub.3  0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,4-di-                                                                               155-157°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   2882  COOH, di-    " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 137-139°                         methyl-                                                                        morpholinium                                                                   salt                                                                     2883  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub. 3                                                                              H   phenyl 168-170°                         with 4H-                                                                       pyrido[1,2-α]-                                                           pyrazine                                                                 2885  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 147-149°                         with diethyl-                                                                  amine                                                                    2896  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,4-di-                                                                               172-178°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   2898  COONH.sub.4  1 5-   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 144-145°                                        nitro                                                     2914  COOH         0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               CH.sub.3                                                                           phenyl oil                               2923  COOH         1 6-CF.sub.3                                                                          CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl  68-74°                    2954  COOH         0 --   phenyl  H   phenyl 151° (dec.)                2987  COOH         1 4-   CH.sub.3                                                                               CH.sub.3                                                                           phenyl  83-90°                                         nitro                                                     2992  COOCH.sub.3  0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-car- 120-122°                                                         bethoxy-                                                                       phenyl                                   2994  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-phenoxy-                                                                            163-165°                                                         phenyl                                   2995  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-butyl-                                                                              143-145°                                                         phenyl                                   2996  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-(methyl-                                                                             97-99°                                                          thio)phenyl                              2997  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-benzyl-                                                                             162-164°                                                         oxyphenyl                                2998  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-dimethyl-                                                                           138-140°                                                         aminophenyl                              2999  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-methyl-                                                                             147-149°                                                         benzyl                                   3000  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,6-di-                                                                               162-164°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   3001  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-carbeth-                                                                            142-144°                                                         oxyphenyl                                3002  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-iso- 156- 158°                                                        propyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3006  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2-car- 158-159°                                                         bethoxy-                                                                       phenyl                                   3017  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-phenoxy-                                                                            140-142°                                                         phenyl                                   3018  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-butyl-                                                                              134-135°                                                         phenyl                                   3019  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-(methyl-                                                                            glassy solid                                                            thio)phenyl                              3022  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-iso- 116-118°                                                         propyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3023  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-benzyl-                                                                             138-139°                                                         oxyphenyl                                3024  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-(di- 163-165°                                                         methyl-                                                                        amino)phenyl                             3025  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                                H  4-methyl-                                                                             157-158°                                                         benzyl                                   3026  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-carbeth-                                                                            160-161°                                                         oxyphenyl                                3027  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,6-di-                                                                               156-157°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   3108  COOK         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             184-185°                                                         phenyl                                   3109  COONH.sub.4  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             155-157°                                                         phenyl                                   3116  COCH.sub.3   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                               3137  CO1-         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 150-152°                         piperidyl                                                                3146  COOH, octyl- " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 133-135°                         amine salt                                                               3147  COOH         " --   CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH                                                                   H   phenyl 155-157°                   3151  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,3-di-                                                                               118-120°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3152  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,4,5- 160° (re-                                                        trimethyl-                                                                            arranges)                                                               phenyl                                   3153  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,5-di-                                                                               130° (re-                                                        methyl-                                                                               arranges)                                                               phenyl                                   3158  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,5-di-                                                                               107-110°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3159  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-ethyl-                                                                              unpurified                                                              phenyl                                   3160  COOH         " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,4-di-                                                                               126-128°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3180  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl  68-85°                          with benzyl-                                                                   dimethylamine                                                            3181  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 145-147°                         with phenyl-                           (dec.)                                  dimethylamine                                                            3182  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 139-141°                         with (2,3-                             (dec.)                                  dihydroxy-                                                                     propyl)di-                                                                     methylamine                                                              3183  COOH, salt   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl oil                                     with tri-                                                                      octylamine                                                               3184  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH                                                                   H   phenyl 147-149°                   3185  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,3-di-                                                                               136-138°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3186  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,4,5-tri-                                                                            150-152°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3187  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   2,5-di-                                                                               146-147°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3194  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,4-di-                                                                               142-144°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3195  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,5-di-                                                                               153-155°                                                         methyl-                                                                        phenyl                                   3196  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-ethyl-                                                                               78-81°                                                          phenyl                                   3210  COOH,        " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 155-158°                         tetrahydro-                                                                    furan adduct                                                             3284  CONHC(CH.sub.3).sub.3                                                                       " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 141-142°                   3285  CONHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3                                                              " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 144-148°                   3290                                                                                  ##STR21##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl unpurified                        3349  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   4-bromo-                                                                              156-159°                                                         phenyl                                   3350  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-nitro-                                                                              178-180°                                                         phenyl                                   3352  COOCH.sub.3  " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3,4-di-                                                                               159-161°                                                         chloro-                                                                        phenyl                                   3358                                                                                  ##STR22##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 115-117°                   3577  COO).sub.2 Ca                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl >300°                      3578  COO).sub.2 Zn                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 170-175° (dec.)            3579  COO).sub.2 Cu                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 150-153° (dec.)            3580  COO).sub.3 Fe                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 152-157° (dec.)            3581  COO).sub.2 Mn                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 158-160° (dec.)            3582  COO).sub.2 Fe                                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 160-180° (dec.)            3676  COOH         2 4,5- H       H   phenyl 164° (dec.)                                     dichloro                                                  3716  CH.sub.2 OH  0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   3-fluoro-                                                                             136-137°                                                         phenyl                                   3873                                                                                  ##STR23##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 154-156°                   3874                                                                                  ##STR24##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 156-158°                   3875  CONHbenzyl   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 143-146°                   3876  CONHnonyl    " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 151-152°                   3877  CONHCH.sub.2(4-                                                                             " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 149-151°                         methoxyphenyl)                                                           3879  CONHcyclopropyl                                                                             " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 144-146°                   3880  CON(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.2                                                       " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 132-134°                   3883                                                                                  ##STR25##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 143-145°                   3884  CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.4 CH.sub.3                                                               " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 145-147°                   3866                                                                                  ##STR26##   " --    CH.sub.3                                                                              H   phenyl 167-169°                   3869                                                                                  ##STR27##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 132-134°                   3872  CONHC(CH.sub.3).sub.3                                                                       2 3,6- CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 173-174°                                        dichloro                                                  3974                                                                                  ##STR28##   0 --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 140-142°                   3975                                                                                  ##STR29##   " --   CH.sub.3                                                                               H   phenyl 146-148°                   __________________________________________________________________________

UTILITY OF THE COMPOUNDS

The term "plant growth regulating" and cognate terms are used herein to refer to changes in the normal sequential development of a plant to agricultural maturity. Examples of such changes include shortening or lengthening of the internode distance, increasing flowering or the set of fruit, reducing plant stature, increasing branching or tillering, inhibiting sprouting, inhibiting sucker growth, fruit thinning, defoliation, desiccation, delayed flowering, increased tolerance to cold, drought, and other stress, increased root growth, and delayed senescence. Many others will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As will be evident from the foregoing types of plant growth regulation, the compounds of formula I are principally intended to alter the further growth of desirable plants. However, because of the variation among plant species, some herbicidal action has been noted. For example, at rates that provide desirable plant growth regulation of some species, numerous compounds of formula I exhibit a herbicidal effect on Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass). Also, many of the present compounds exhibit at the same time or sequentially on a given species a plurality of growth regulating effects, not all of which are desirable. However, the criterion of plant growth regulation is a non-lethal effect which is desirable in overall terms.

The present plant growth regulants can be utilized on a wide variety of plant species. The regulants are of special value to agriculturally important crops, such as the grains, the legumes, and the numerous vegetable and fruit crops. However, the present regulants can also be used on ornamentals, house plants, and other plants grown principally or solely for their decorative value.

The plant growth regulating effect of the compounds of formula I is exhibited upon application to plants in any of their parts or viable forms. Thus, application can be made to plant foliage, stems, flowers, fruit, roots, rhizomes, tubers, seeds, and the like. Application can also be made to soil, to exert a plant growth regulating effect on seeds sown therein or plants already growing therein.

The amount of compound to be employed is not critical so long as an effective plant growth regulating amount is used. Application rates of from 0.01 oz. to 10 pounds per acre are generally suitable, but will vary with the particular compound of formula I employed, the plant species and its stage of growth, the nature of the growth regulation sought, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. Lower rates can be employed with many of the compounds. For example, 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide is advantageously employed on soybeans at rates of 1 lb. per acre and less; favorable growth regulating effects have been observed as low as 1/2 oz. per acre, and the optimal rate at present appears to be about 1 oz. per acre. On strawberry fields, application of 1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide at a rate of 0.1 oz. per acre increased berry production by 2400 lbs. per acre. Treatment of a dormant crab apple tree in spring with a 1000 ppm formulation of 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (in 50:50 kerosene:crop oil) resulted in a delay in flowering, fewer blossoms, and enlargement of the leaves.

In the instance of application to seeds, preliminary tests on Soja max (soybeans), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Oryza sativa (rice), Setaria italica (German millet), and Brassica napus (rape) suggest application rates of no more than about 1 percent by weight of the seed.

As illustrated below, a single application results in desirable plant growth regulation. However, multiple applications throughout the growing season can be used to obtain maximum plant growth regulation.

In one preferred embodiment, the compounds of formula I are employed on Soja max. When the compounds are applied to the foliage of Soja max, the change to more desirable modes of plant growth, including an increase in number of blooms and seed pods, has been observed to last for at least 18 days, usually stimulating increased pod set on about six nodes of the plant. The best practice is to use repeated foliar applications, every 15 to 20 days starting at the earliest blossoms to achieve maximum benefit by this method. If soil application (including application to the seed) is the chosen method, persistence of the growth regulating effect for over 30 days has been observed, including effective control of certain weeds. Depending upon the nature of the crop and the length of the growing season, a single application to the soil (or to the crop seed) at planting time may be sufficient, or will at least bring the greatest overall economic return for the expense involved.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of formula I are employed on tomato plants to increase the set of fruit.

The results obtained on legumes and tomatoes indicate that the compound possesses a unique combination of both cytokinin and auxin activity. More Chlorophyll A is present in the treated plants, as indicated by color change. More photosynthesis occurs, as indicated by increase in weight of treated plants, although the plants may be slightly shorter in stature. The stimulation of both leaf growth and fruit set at the same time is extraordinary.

Although productivity of Soja max is described herein in terms of increased "pod count," this effect is another example of enhanced "fruit set". In this term, "fruit" is used in its broad botanical meaning of the ripened ovary or ovaries of a seed-bearing plant, together with accessary parts.

The compounds of Formula I, especially those which exist as oils, can be employed alone; however, the compounds are generally employed in formulations comprising one or more of the compounds and an agriculturally acceptable adjuvant. The adjuvant can be any substance which aids in the utilization of the plant growth regulating activity of the compounds of Formula I. For example, the adjuvant can be a solvent, an inert diluent, a surface active agent, a substance for dispersing an active agent as an aerosol, or the like.

Suitable inert diluents include powdered chalk, the attapulgite clays, the kaolin clays, the montmorillonite clays, the diatomaceous earths and the silicates. Suitable surface active agents include the sulfonated lignins, the naphthalenesulfonates, the alkylbenzenesulfonates, the adducts of alkylphenols, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and the like with ethylene and/or propylene oxide, and the like.

Wettable powder formulations are a preferred type of formulation, especially for those compounds of Formula I which exist as solids. Wettable powders comprise an intimate finely-divided mixture of the compound of Formula I, an inert carrier, and a surface active agent. The inert carrier and surface active agent can be any of those identified above. Wettable powders are typically added to water to constitute ultimate treating formulations.

Emulsifiable concentrates also constitute a suitable type of formulation of the compounds of Formula I. Such concentrates comprise a mixture of a compound of Formula I, a water-immiscible solvent, and an emulsifier. Suitable solvents include the aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and derivatives, especially the xylenes, the various petroleum distillates, and oils from natural products, such as corn oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil. The emulsifier can be any one or more of the surface active agents exemplified above. An emulsifiable concentrate is especially adapted to be added to water to constitute an ultimate treating formulation.

Those compounds of Formula I which are relatively soluble in water can also be formulated as water soluble concentrates, either liquid or solid. Such formulations advantageously contain, in addition to the compound of Formula I, a surface active agent of the type listed above which facilitates solution of the active ingredient when added to water to form the ultimate treating formulation.

In general, formulations desirably contain from about 0.1 percent to about 95 percent of compound of Formula I and from about 0.1 to about 75 percent of surface active agent. As noted, the formulations typically serve as concentrates to be diluted to ultimate treating formulations. However, in certain specialized modes of application known to those skilled in the art, these same concentrated formulations can be employed directly as treating formulations. Attention is directed to the rotary atomizer type of low volumn sprayer known as the Micron Herbi Sprayer.

The compositions which are intended for use in the form of aqueous dispersions or emulsions can also comprise a humectant, that is to say, an agent which will delay the drying of the composition in contact with the vegetation to which it has been applied. Suitable humectants include glycerol, diethylene glycol, solubilized lignins, such as calcium lignosulfonate, and the like. The compositions may contain other ingredients, for example, protective colloids such as gelatin, glue, casein, gums and polyvinyl alcohol; sodium polyphosphate; cellulose ethers, stabilizers and stickers, for example non-volatile oils.

As noted above, the compounds of Formula I sometimes exhibit a plurality of growth regulant effects, not all of which are desirable. For example, application of the compounds of Formula I sometimes results in an initial negative effect, typically stunting, which is outgrown by the plants; and the plants at their agricultural maturity have achieved a net positive growth regulating effect. It has further been observed that the initial negative side effect can be minimized by the coapplication of a source of potassium ion, typically a potassium salt such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

The utility of the compounds of Formula I as plant growth regulants is illustrated by the following Examples.

EXAMPLE 13

A water soluble formulation of the active ingredient in salt form was prepared by combining 120 g of 1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, 400 ml of water and 173 g of polyoxyethylene (5) soyaamine (Ethomeen S-15). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 10 hours at which time a clear solution was obtained. With stirring 200 g of trimethylnonyl polyethylene glycol ether (Tergitol TMN-10) was added. An additional 107 ml of water was added, resulting in a formulation having the following percentage weight composition:

    ______________________________________                                         Active Ingredient      12.0%                                                   Polyoxyethylene (5)                                                            soyaamine              17.3%                                                   Trimethylnonyl poly-                                                           ethylene glycol ether  20.0%                                                   Water                  50.7%                                                   ______________________________________                                    

A sample of the above formulation was subjected to shelf-life studies. The solution was stable when stored at 15°-20° C.

EXAMPLE 14

A water soluble powder was prepared as follows: 60 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate was ground in a shear-type blender and dried overnight in an oven at 50° C. The potassium dihydrogen phosphate was combined with 7 g of the potassium salt of 1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, 5 g of sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (Morwet D-425) and 28 g of Atwet W-13 (a commercially prepared product containing 50% polyethoxylated fatty acid esters encapsulated within an equal weight of a water soluble organic material). All components were well blended. This water soluble formulation contained the following weight percentage:

    ______________________________________                                         Active Ingredient     7%                                                       Potassium dihydrogen phosphate                                                                       60%                                                      Sodium naphthalene formaldehyde                                                condensate (dispersant)                                                                              5%                                                       Atwet W-13 (50% nonionic                                                       encapsulated surfactant)                                                                             28%                                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 15

By shearing and blending procedures, a water soluble formulation of the following weight percentage was prepared:

    ______________________________________                                         Ammonium salt of 1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-                                         2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide                                                                    25%                                                  Sodium naphthalene formaldehyde                                                condensate (dispersant)    5%                                                  Atwet W-13 (50% nonionic                                                       encapsulated surfactant)  70%                                                  ______________________________________                                    

The formulation was a white powder mixture. The pH of a one percent aqueous solution of the mixture was 5.93. The bulk density of the formulation was 22 lbs/ft³.

EXAMPLE 16

A wettable powder formulation of increased active ingredient content was prepared by thoroughly blending 150 g of 1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, 30 g of Georgia attapulgite clay, 10 g of sodium diisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate (Morwet IP) and 10 g of sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (Morwet D-425). The mixture was ground in an air mill. The average particle size was determined to be about 5 microns. The resulting formulation had the following percentage weight composition:

    ______________________________________                                         Active Ingredient       75%                                                    Georgia attapulgite clay                                                                               15%                                                    Sodium diisopropyl naphthalene                                                 sulfonate (wetting agent)                                                                               5%                                                    Sodium naphthalene formaldehyde                                                condensate (dispersant)  5%                                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 17

A suitable wettable powder formulation was obtained by blending and milling 0.72 lb of precipitated silica (Hi-Sil 233), 0.80 lb of trimethylnonyl polyethylene glycol ether (Tergitol TMN-10), 0.40 lb 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide and 0.08 lb of sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (Morwet D-425) as a dispersing agent. The resulting formulation had the following percentage weight composition:

    ______________________________________                                         Active ingredient       20%                                                    Precipitated Silica     36%                                                    Trimethylnonyl polyethylene                                                    glycol ether            40%                                                    Sodium naphthalene formaldehyde                                                condensate               4%                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The above composition had a bulk density of 15.3 lbs/ft³, an average particle size of 10.4 microns and a wetting time of 49 seconds.

EXAMPLE 18

A water dispersion of the present active agent was prepared by mixing 0.06 lb of 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide, 0.12 lb of sorbitan monooleate ethoxylate (Tween 80) and 0.82 lb of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. When diluted with water for spraying, the formulation produced microcrystals of the active ingredient, suspended uniformly by the surface active agent.

EXAMPLE 19

An emulsifiable concentrate suitable for implementing the plant growth regulant activity of the compounds of Formula I is prepared by dissolving the active ingredient and a wetting agent in an oil from a natural product or in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. A typical emulsifiable concentrate given in percentage weights is:

    ______________________________________                                         1-(2-((2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonyl)-                                              benzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thio-                                             semicarbazide           12%                                                    Dialkylphenoxypolyethoxylated                                                  ethanol (Igepal DM-530) 12%                                                    Corn oil                76%                                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 20

A water soluble powder suitable for implementing the plant growth regulant activity of the compounds of Formula I is prepared by blending the active ingredient in salt form with a solid anionic surfactant such as Naxonate KK (potassium xylene sulfonate) or Naxonate KT (potassium toluene sulfonate). If further dilution is required, a compatible inorganic salt may be included. An illustrative water soluble powder has the following percentage weight composition:

    ______________________________________                                         Potassium salt of 1-(2-carboxy-                                                benzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thio-                                             semicarbazide          6.2%                                                    Potassium carbonate    50.0%                                                   Naxonate KX (potassium xylene                                                  sulfonate)             43.8%                                                   ______________________________________                                    

Solid nonionic surfactants such as Myrj 53 (polyoxyethylene (50) stearate) can also be used.

EXAMPLE 21

Another water soluble powder is prepared by conventional procedures to have the following percentage weight composition:

    ______________________________________                                         Potassium salt of 1-(2-carboxy-                                                benzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-                                                  thiosemicarbazide      6.2%                                                    Morwet D-425 (sodium naphthalene                                               formaldehyde condensate)                                                                              5.0%                                                    Macol SA-40 (polyoxyethylene                                                   (4) lauryl alcohol)    44.4%                                                   Sorbitol               44.4%                                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 22

A further emulsifiable concentrate formulation is prepared with the active ingredient in salt form, by mixing the following reagents given as weight percentage:

    ______________________________________                                         1-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-                                               phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide                                                                           4.5%                                                     2,6-lutidine          1.5%                                                     Atlox 3459F (anionic-nonionic                                                  blend of calcium dodecylbenzene                                                sulfonate and polyethoxylated                                                  fatty acid esters)    10.0%                                                    Cyclohexanone         84%                                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 23

The use of the growth regulant compounds to modify and control plant growth as well as to combat unwanted vegetation may be demonstrated readily in small scale greenhouse tests according to procedures described below.

Pre-emergent Application

Disposable plastic trays about 21/2 inches deep were filled with soil and sprayed with aqueous spray mixtures at a rate of 5 lb of active chemical per acre of sprayed area, were seeded with 6 species of plant seeds and were then covered with about 1/4 inch of soil. The spray mixtures were prepared by dissolving the proper amount of growth regulant compound in 15 ml of acetone, adding 4 ml of a solvent-emulsifier mixture consisting of 60 wt. percent of a commercial polyethoxylated vegetable oil emulsifier (96 wt. percent active ingredient, Emulphor EL-719), 20 wt. percent xylene and 20 wt. percent deodorized kerosene, then bringing total volume up to 60 ml by addition of warm water. Twenty-one days after seeding and treatment the plantings were examined and effects were rated according to the following schedule.

    ______________________________________                                                           Abbreviation                                                                   in Tables                                                    ______________________________________                                         Effect                                                                         Formative effect                                                               on new growth       F                                                          Epinasty            E                                                          Growth reduction    G                                                          Necrosis            N                                                          Non-emergence       K                                                          Degree of Effect                                                               0 = no effect                                                                  1 = slight effect, temporary                                                   2 = moderate effect                                                            3 = severe effect                                                              4 = maximum effect                                                             ______________________________________                                    

In some instances more than one effect was observed and recorded with respect to a group of plants of one species.

Post-emergent Application

Several species of plants were grown in potting soil in disposable polystyrene foam trays and individual plants of a miniature variety of Lycopersicum esculentum were grown in four-inch pots in the greenhouse. Aqueous spray formulations were prepared and the growing plants were sprayed at a spray volume of 60 gallons per acre and an application rate of 5 lb per acre. Spray mixtures were prepared in the manner described above. For comparative purposes, plants were also sprayed at 60 gal. per acre with a spray mixture containing no growth regulant. Effects were again rated according to the schedule disclosed above.

Observations of effects in both pre- and post-emergent tests were recorded, and are tabulated in Table I, below:

    __________________________________________________________________________     EFFECTS ON VEGETATION                                                          Pre-Emergent Effects              Post-Emergent Effects                        Compd.                                                                              Digitaria                                                                            Celosia                                                                             Bromus                                                                             Setaria                                                                             Raphanus                                                                            Beta                                                                               Setaria                                                                            Medicago                                                                            Avena                                                                              Raphanus                                                                            Beta                                                                               Lycopersicum           No.  sanguinalis                                                                          plumosa                                                                             inermis                                                                            italica                                                                             sativus                                                                             vulgaris                                                                           italica                                                                            sativa                                                                              sativa                                                                             sativus                                                                             vulgaris                                                                           esculentum             __________________________________________________________________________      597 K4    F2G1 K3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G1                                                                               F3   F2  G1F1 F2G1                                                                               F3                     1685 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F1G1 F3G3                                                                               0   0    0   0    F2  N1F1                   1686 0     F1   F2  0    0    F2  Cl  F1   0   N1   F2G1                                                                               N1F1                   2005 K4    F3G2 K4  F3G3 G3   K4  0   F2G1 G1  G2F1 F3G1                                                                               F2                     2008 0     K2   F1  0    K2   K1  0   F2G2 N1G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G1                                                                               0                      2044 K4    F1G1 F3G3                                                                               F2G2 F1G2 K4  F2G1                                                                               F3G1 F2  N1G1 F2G1                                                                               F2G3                   2047 F3G2  F1   F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F1   F2  F2G1                                                                               F2G2 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F2G2                   2322 N1    N3G2 G1  0    0    N3G3                                                                               0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2324 K1G2  0    0   0    0    K1  0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2325 N3G3  N3G2 N3G3                                                                               N2G3 G3   K3G2                                                                               N1F1                                                                               F2   F1  F1G1 F1G1                                                                               F3                     2341 F2G1  F1   F2  F3G2 G1   F2G1                                                                               F1  F1   0   F1G1 F1G1                                                                               0                      2342 F1    0    F2  F2   0    F2  0   F1   0   F2G1 F1G2                                                                               F1                     2370 K4    K4   K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G1                                                                               N1G3 N1G1                                                                               N1F1 F1G3                                                                               F3                     2371 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G1                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F2G2 F1G2                                                                               F3G3                   2372 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G2                                                                               N1G3 N1  N1G2 F3G2                                                                               F3                     2388 F2G2  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G1                                                                               0   F3G1 F1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F3                     2389 K4    K4   K3F1                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 K4  F2  F3G3 F2  F2   F3G3                                                                               F3                     2390 K3G3  F3G2 F3G1                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F1  F3G2 F1  F1   F2G1                                                                               F3                     2391 K4    K4   K3F1                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F2  F3G2 F2G2                                                                               F1   F3G1                                                                               F3                     2392 F3G3  F3G3 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F3G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F2  F2                     2414 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F2  F3G3 F2  F1   F3G1                                                                               F3                     2415 K4    F3G3 K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2  F3G3 F1  0    F3G1                                                                               F3                     2418 F1G1  K2   F2G1                                                                               0    0    F2G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F2  F2                     2422 0     0    F2  0    0    0   --  --   --  --   --  --                     2432 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G1 F3G3                                                                               F2  F3G2 F1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F2                     2433 F3G2  F3G3 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F1  F3G2 F1  F1   F3G2                                                                               F3                     2434 F3G3  F3G3 F3G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G1 F3G1                                                                               F1  F3G2 F2  F1   F2G1                                                                               F3                     2444 K4    K2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F1G2 F2G2                                                                               N2G2                                                                               --   --  F2   N2G1                                                                               F3                     2445 F3G3  K2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F1G1 F2G2                                                                               0   F2   0   0    F2G1                                                                               F2                     2446 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               --  F2G1 0   F1   F1G2                                                                               F1                     2450 F2G2  K4   F2  F3G2 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G1                                                                               F2G1 0   F1   F2  F1                     2470 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 0   N1  F2   0   F1   F2G2                                                                               F2G2                   2472 F3G3  K4   F3G2                                                                               F3G3 F1G1 F2G2                                                                               0   F2G1 0   N1F1 F2G1                                                                               F3G2                   2474 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1  N1G2 0   N1G1 F2G2                                                                               F3                     2479 0     0    F1  F1   0    0   N1G2                                                                               F1   N1  F1   F1G1                                                                               0                      2480 0     0    0   0    0    0   --  --   --  --   --  --                     2481 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               N3G3 G1  F2G1 N4  F2G1                   2482 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 K4  N1G2                                                                               F2G1 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F2G1                   2483 F3G3  K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F3G1 F3G2                                                                               N3G3                                                                               F2G3 G1  F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F3                     2484 F3G2  F3G3 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F3G2                                                                               N2G1                                                                               F1   G1  F1G1 F2G2                                                                               F1                     2487 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               N1G1                                                                               --   N1  F2G2 F2G1                                                                               F2                     2488 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F2G2 F1G1                                                                               N1F1 F2G1                                                                               F3G2                   2563 F2G2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F2G1                                                                               N3G3                                                                               F1   0   0    F2G1                                                                               F3E2                   2564 F1G1  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F1G1 F1G1                                                                               N1G1                                                                               0    0   0    F1  F3E2                   2567 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N4  F3G2 F1  F2   F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2568 F3G3  F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 F2  F2   F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2569 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G2                   2570 F3G3  F3G3 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2   F3G2                                                                               F3G2                   2571 F2G2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F1G1                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F2   0   F1   F2  F3E2                   2572 F2G1  F2G1 F1  F2G1 F1G1 F1  F1  F2   0   F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G2                   2573 F1    F1   F2  F1   0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  F1                     2574 F1    F1   F2  0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F2  F1                     2576 0     0    0   0    0    0   --  --   --  --   --  --                     2577 F1G1  F1G1 F2  F2G1 F1   F1  N1  F1   0   0    F2  0                      2578 F1    F1   F2  F1   0    0   0   F1   0   0    F2  F1                     2579 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G1                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F3G3 F1  F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E2                   2580 0     0    F1  0    0    0   0   F1   0   F1   F2  0                      2581 F2G1  0    F1  0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  0                      2583 F1G1  F1   F2  F1   0    F1  0   F3G1 F1  F1   F3G1                                                                               F1                     2584 F1    F1   F2  F1   0    0   0   F3G3 F1  F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F1E1                   2585 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F1   F3G1                                                                               F1  F3E2 F1  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2586 F1    F1   F2  F1   0    0   0   F3G2 0   F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F1E1                   2588 F1    0    F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   F1   F1  0                      2589 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   F1   F1  0                      2590 0     0    F1  F1   0    0   F1  F3G2 F1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F1E1                   2591 K4    K3G3 K3G2                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G1                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F3G1 F3G3                                                                               F3G3                   2592 F3G3  F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F3G2                                                                               F3G1 F1  F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F3G3                   2594 F3G3  F3G2 K4  F3G3 F3G1 F2G1                                                                               N4  F3G3 G1  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G1                   2595 F2G2  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F2G1 G1   F2G1                                                                               N1G3                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2597 F1G1  F2G1 F3  F2G1 F1G1 F2G1                                                                               G3F2                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2598 0     0    F1  0    0    0   F1G1                                                                               F3G1 F1  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F2E2                   2599 F1    F2   F2  0    0    0   0   F3G1 0   F1   F2  F2E1                   2603 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   F1   0   F1G1 0   F1E1                   2604 F2    F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 0    F1  0   F2   F1  F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F2E2                   2605 F3G1  F2G1 F2  F1G1 0    F1  0   F2G1 0   F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F2E1                   2622 F3G3  F3G2 K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N3G3                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2627 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3E3                   2628 F3G3  F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1  F1G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2633 K4    F3G3 K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2634 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F3G2 F1  F1   F2  F3E2                   2635 F3G2  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F3G2 F1  F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F3E3                   2636 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               F2G3                                                                               F3G2 F1  F1G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2637 K4    F3G2 K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2641 F2G1  F2G2 F2G1                                                                               F3G2 F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F1  F1G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G1                   2668 K4    F3G3 K4  F3G3 F3G1 F3G3                                                                               G2F2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3G3                   2669 F3G3  F3G2 K4  F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2697 F2G3  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F2G1 F1   F1G1                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F3G3 F2G1                                                                               F3G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2698 F1    0    0   0    0    0   F1  F1   F1  F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F1                     2699 F1    F1G1 F1  0    0    0   F1  F1G1 0   F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F3E1                   2700 0     0    0   0    0    0   F1  F1   0   F1   F2  F3E1                   2701 F2G1  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F1   G1   0   F2G1                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2702 F3G1  F1   F3  F3G1 F1   F2G1                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F3G2 0   F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F2                     2704 F2G1  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F1G1 0    F1  F1  F3G1 F1  F3G1 F2G1                                                                               F3E1                   2705 F1    F1G1 F2  F1   0    F1  F2G1                                                                               F3G2 F2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F2                     2707 F1    0    0   0    0    0   F1  F2   F1  F2G2 F3G1                                                                               F1                     2708 0     0    0   0    0    0   F1  F1   0   F1   F2  F2E1                   2721 F3G3  F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G3 F2G1                                                                               F3G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2722 K4    F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F3G2 F1  F3G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2723 F3G3  F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F2   F1  0    F3  F3E2                   2724 K4    F3G3 K4  F3G3 F3G3 K4  F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2725 F3G2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G1 F1G1 F2G2                                                                               F1  F3G1 0   F2   F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2726 F3G2  F1   F2  F2G1 F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F1  F3G1 F1  F1   F2  F2E1                   2727 F1G1  F1   F2  F2G1 0    0   F1  F2G1 0   F1   F2  F2                     2728 F3G2  F2G2 F3G1                                                                               F3G1 F1G1 F1G1                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F3G3 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F3E1                   2729 F1G1  F2G2 F1  0    0    0   F1  F2   0   0    F1  F1                     2732 F1    0    F1  F1G1 0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  F1                     2733 F3G2  N4   F2  F3G2 F1   F1  0   F1   0   0    F1  0                      2734 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2735 F3G3  N4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2736 F3G3  F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G1 F1  F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2740 K4    F3G2 K4  F3G3 F3G3 N4  F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G3                   2741 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 K4  F2G2                                                                               F3G1 F1  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2742 K4    N4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2743 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2744 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F1   F3G1                                                                               F3E2                   2745 F3G3  K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G1 F1G1                                                                               F1   F3G2                                                                               E2F2                   2746 F2G1  F2G2 F3G1                                                                               F3G3 F2G1 F2G1                                                                               0   F1   0   F1   F2  F1                     2749 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2750 0     0    F1  0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1G1                                                                               F1                     2753 K2    G1   F1  0    0    G1  0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2754 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  0                      2756 F1G1  F1   F1  F3G2 F1   F2G2                                                                               F1  F3   0   F1   F2G1                                                                               F2E1                   2760 0     G1   0   0    0    F1G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F1  F1                     2762 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  0                      2771 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F2G2                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F1   F3G2                                                                               F3G3                   2772 F1    F1   F2  F1G1 F1   F1G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F1  F1E1                   2777 F1    G1   F2  F1G1 F1   F1  F1  F2   0   0    F2G1                                                                               F1                     2778 0     0    F1  0    G1   0   0   F1   0   F1   F2  F1                     2779 0     0    F1  0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F1  0                      2781 0     0    F1  0    0    0   F1  F2   0   0    F2  0                      2783 F1    0    F1  F1G1 F1   0   G1  F2   0   F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F1                     2784 F3G2  F3G2 F3G1                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G2                                                                               F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2787 F1    F1   F2  F2G1 F1   F1  F1  F1   0   F1   F2  F1E1                   2788 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G2                                                                               F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F1   F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2790 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G2                                                                               F2   F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2795 F2G2  F1G1 F2  F3G2 F2G1 F1G1                                                                               F1  F2   F1  0    F2G2                                                                               F1                     2796 F1    0    F2  F3G2 F1G1 F1G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F2  F1                     2798 0     0    0   0    0    F1  0   F3   0   F1G1 F2G2                                                                               F3E2                   2799 F1G1  F1   F2G1                                                                               F1G1 0    F1G1                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F3G1 F1  G1   F2G1                                                                               F2E1                   2800 0     0    0   0    0    0   F1  F2   0   F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F1                     2801 0     G1   F1  0    F1   F1  0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2802 F2G2  F1   F2G1                                                                               F3G2 F2   F2G1                                                                               F1  F3G2 0   F1   F2G1                                                                               F3E2                   2803 F3G3  F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G1                                                                               F1  F2G1 0   F1   F3G1                                                                               F3E3                   2818 F2G2  F2G1 F2  F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F2G1 F1  0    F3G1                                                                               F2E2                   2819 0     0    0   G1   0    F1  0   F2   0   F1   F2  F2                     2822 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F2G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1                                                                               F1   F3G2                                                                               F3E3                   2844 F2G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               F3G2                                                                               N1G3 F1G2                                                                               F2G2 F2G3                                                                               F3G3                   2845 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N2G2                                                                               F3G3 0   N1G2 F2G3                                                                               F3G1                   2850 0     0    0   0    0    0   --  --   --  --   --  --                     2851 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   N2   0   N1G1 F2  0                      2852 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1G1                                                                               0                      2853 F2G1  F1G1 F3  F3G3 F1G1 F2G1                                                                               0   0    0   0    F1  0                      2854 K4    K3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F3G3                                                                               N2G1                                                                               F2G1 N1G1                                                                               N1F1 F2G2                                                                               F3                     2855 F3G3  F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G1 F2G2                                                                               N1  F2   N1  N1G1 F2G1                                                                               F2                     2859 K4    K4   F3G2                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 K4  N2G2                                                                               F3G1 0   0    F2G2                                                                               N1F2                   2862 F1    0    F1  F1   0    0   N1G1                                                                               0    0   0    F2G1                                                                               F2                     2863 F1    0    0   0    0    0   0   F1   0   0    F2  0                      2879 F3G3  F1G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F3G3                                                                               N2G1                                                                               F1   0   0    F2G1                                                                               F2G3                   2882 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F2G2 F2  F1   F2G2                                                                               F3                     2883 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 K4  N2G2                                                                               F2G1 N1  N1G1 F1G1                                                                               F2                     2885 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N3G2                                                                               F2G1 N1G1                                                                               G1F1 F1G2                                                                               F2                     2896 F3G3  F1G1 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N2G3                                                                               0    N1  0    F2G2                                                                               F3G3                   2898 0     0    F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   F1   F2G1                                                                               F1                     2914 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   F1G1 0   F1G2 F1G3                                                                               N1                     2923 0     0    F1  F1   0    0   0   F1   0   0    N1G2                                                                               0                      2954 0     K1G1 F1  0    0    0   0   N1G1 0   G1   F2G3                                                                               F1                     2987 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1G1                                                                               0                      2992 F1G1  K2F2 F3G1                                                                               F2G2 0    K2G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F2G3                                                                               N1                     2994 0     0    F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F3G1                                                                               0                      2995 0     0    F2  0    F1   0   0   0    G1  0    F2G1                                                                               G1                     2996 K3G3  F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 K2F1 F2G2                                                                               0   0    0   F1G1 F3G2                                                                               N1F2                   2997 F1    G1   F2  F2G2 F1   F1  0   F2G2 G1  F1G1 F2G2                                                                               F3                     2998 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1  F1                     2999 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F2  0                      3000 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F2G1                                                                               N1                     3001 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F2G2                                                                               G1                     3002 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F1   F2G1 F1G2                                                                               0   N1G1 0   F1G1 F3G3                                                                               F1                     3006 F1F1  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F2G1 G1   F1G1                                                                               0   F1   0   0    F2G2                                                                               0                      3017 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1G1                                                                               F1                     3018 K3G3  G2   F2G1                                                                               F1   F2G1 F1G1                                                                               0   0    0   0    F2G3                                                                               0                      3019 F1G2  F2   F2  F2G1 G1   F1  0   0    0   F1   F3G2                                                                               F2G2                   3022 F2G2  F3G1 F3G2                                                                               F1G1 F3G3 F2G2                                                                               0   N1   N1  N1G1 F2G1                                                                               0                      3023 F2G2  F3G3 F2G2                                                                               F2G2 F2G1 F1G1                                                                               N1G1                                                                               N1G2 F1  F1G1 F2G2                                                                               F2G1                   3024 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F2G2                                                                               0                      3025 F1    F1   F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1G1                                                                               0                      3026 F1    G1   F2  0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F2G2                                                                               0                      3027 0     0    0   0    0    0   N1G1                                                                               0    0   0    F2G1                                                                               N2                     3108 F3G3  F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 N1F1                                                                               F2G2 F2G2                                                                               F2G1                   3109 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N2G1                                                                               F3G2 N1F1                                                                               F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F2G1                   3116 F1    F1   F2  F2G1 F1G1 F1  N1  N1G2 0   N1   F2G1                                                                               N1F1                   3137 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G1 0   0   F3   N1  F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F3                     3146 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N2G2                                                                               N3G2 F1  N1G2 N2G3                                                                               F3                     3147 F1    0    F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   N1   F2G2                                                                               F2                     3151 F1    F1G1 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F1   F1  N2G1                                                                               F1   F1  F1   F2G2                                                                               F2                     3152 0     0    0   0    0    0   N1  0    0   0    F1  0                      3153 F1    0    F2  F2G1 F1G1 F2G2                                                                               G1  F1   0   0    F1  F2                     3158 F1G1  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G1 F2G2 F3G3                                                                               G1  F3G1 0   F2   F2G3                                                                               F2G1                   3159 F3G2  F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 F1  F2   N4  F3G1                   3160 F2G2  F1G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F2G1 0   F2   F2G2                                                                               F3                     3180 F3G3  F3G3 F3G3                                                                               K4   F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G1                                                                               F3G2 F2  F2   F2G3                                                                               F3                     3181 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G2                                                                               F3                     3182 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F3                     3183 F3G3  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N2G2                                                                               F3G3 N1G1                                                                               N2G2 F2G3                                                                               N2G1                   3184 F1    0    F1  0    0    0   0   0    0   F1   F1  0                      3185 F2G2  F1   F2  F3G2 F1   F1G1                                                                               0   F1   0   F1   F2  F2                     3186 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   F2   0   0    F2  F1                     3187 F1    F1   F2  F2G1 G1   F1G1                                                                               0   0    0   0    N2G2                                                                               F2                     3194 F1G1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F3G3 F2   F2G1                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F2G2 F1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F3                     3195 F2G2  F2G1 F3G1                                                                               F3G3 F2G1 F2G1                                                                               0   F2G1 0   F1   F3G1                                                                               F3                     3196 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F2G1 0   F1   F2G2                                                                               F3                     3210 F2G2  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               N2G3                                                                               F3G2 N1G2                                                                               F1   N3G3                                                                               F3                     3284 F3G3  F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F3G2                                                                               F2G2 F3G2                                                                               F3   F2G3                                                                               F2                     3285 F1    F1   F2  F2G1 0    F2G1                                                                               0   F3G2 0   F1   F3G2                                                                               N1                     3290 F3G3  F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G2 F2G1                                                                               F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F2                     3349 K4    F3G3 K4  K3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               N1G2                                                                               F3G3 F1G1                                                                               F3G2 F3G2                                                                               N1F1                   3350 F2G1  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F2G2                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F2G2 F1G1                                                                               F3G2 F2G2                                                                               F3G1                   3352 F3G2  F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F2G2 F3G2                                                                               0   F3G2 0   F1G3 N3G2                                                                               F2G1                   3358 K4    F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F3G2 F3G2                                                                               F2G1                                                                               F2G3 F1  C1G2 F3G2                                                                               F4                     3577 K4    F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F3G3 K4  G2  F3G2 F1G2                                                                               F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3                     3578 K4    F3G3 K4  F3G3 F3G3 F3G3                                                                               F1G2                                                                               F3G2 F1G3                                                                               F1G1 F3G3                                                                               F3                     3579 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G3 K4  G2  F3G2 F1G2                                                                               F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3                     3580 K4    F3G2 F3G3                                                                               F3G2 F3G3 F3G4                                                                               G2  F3G2 F1G3                                                                               F2G2 F3G3                                                                               F3                     3581 K4    K4   F3G3                                                                               F3G3 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               G2  F3G2 F1G2                                                                               F2G1 F3G3                                                                               F3                     3582 F3G3  F3G3 K4  F3G2 F3G2 F3G3                                                                               G2  F3G2 F1G2                                                                               F2G1 F3G2                                                                               F3                     3676 0     0    0   0    0    0   0   0    0   0    F1  0                      3716 F1G1  F2   F3G1                                                                               F2G1 F2G1 F2G1                                                                               F1G1                                                                               F2   --  G2N1F1                                                                              F3G2                                                                               F2N1G1                 __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 24

Seeds of Soja max were planted in 12 in.×10 in. polystyrene foam trays, 3 inches deep, filled with greenhouse potting soil. Spray mixtures containing 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide were prepared as in Example 23 and were applied to seeded trays at rates of 2, 1 and 1/2 lb per acre. The plants which subsequently emerged from treated soil had some leaves with 4 to 6 leaflets instead of the usual trifoliate leaves. Similar results are obtained by seed treatment at low rates of application, for instance, 0.0625 percent by weight of seed.

EXAMPLE 25

The use of many of the growth regulant compounds may be demonstrated by treatment of soybeans (Soja max) to increase the number of seed pods and by treating tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum) to increase fruit set. In an illustrative experiment, Soja max (Evans variety) and Lycopersicum esculentum (Tiny Tim variety) were grown in 4-inch pots (one plant per pot) filled with greenhouse potting soil (2 parts good top soil, 11/2 parts builders sand, 11/2 parts peat, fertilized with 5 lb of 12-12-6 fertilizer and 5 lb of finely ground limestone per cu. yd.). Aqueous spray formulations were prepared and the potted plants were sprayed at a spray volume of 40 gal. per acre (374 liters per hectare) and at application rates of 16, 4, and 1 oz. per acre. (1.12 kg, 280 g, and 70 g per hectare). The spray mixtures were prepared by dissolving the proper amount of growth regulant compound in 15 ml of acetone, adding 2 ml of a solvent-emulsifier mixture consisting of 60 wt. percent of a commercial polyethoxylated vegetable oil emulsifier (96 wt. percent active ingredient, Emulphor EL-719), 20 wt. percent xylene and 20 wt. percent deodorized kerosene, then bringing total volume up to 80 ml by addition of a 0.156 wt. percent aqueous solution of liquid non-ionic dispersant (90 wt. percent active trimethylnonyl polyethylene glycol ether, Tergitol TMN-10). Two replicates were sprayed at all application rates. For comparative purposes, plants were also sprayed at 40 gal./acre with water. The number of seed pods and of fruit as percentage of arithmetic mean of the numbers on untreated plants were observed within approximately three weeks after spray treatment and the results are tabulated below. The extent of other growth regulatory effects observed on the plants was estimated on a scale of 0 to 10 (with 0=no other effect and 10=maximum effect) and is also recorded in the following table:

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                         GROWTH REGULATING EFFECTS ON TWO SPECIES                                               Soja max     Lycopersicum esculentum                                                 Pod Count Growth          Growth                                               (Percent in                                                                              Regu-  Fruit Count                                                                             Regu-                                                Compar-   lating (Percent in                                                                             lating                                 Com-          ison to   Effect Comparison                                                                              Effect                                 pound Rate    Untreated (Aver- to Untreated                                                                            (Aver-                                 No.   (oz/A)  Plants    age)   Plants   age)                                   ______________________________________                                          597  16      171.sup.a,c                                                                              9      400.sup.b                                                                               9                                            4       177.sup.a,c                                                                              4.5    291      7                                            1       151       2      436      1.5                                    1686  16      137       3       36      0                                            4       120       0.5     36      0                                            1        94       0      145      0                                      2005  16      169.sup.a,c                                                                              9      255.sup.b                                                                               9                                            4       163.sup.a,c                                                                              7.5    327      7.5                                          1       160       3      364      3.5                                    2322  16      107       0.5    145      0                                            4       103       0      218      0                                            1        94       0      182      0                                      2324  16       97       0       73      1                                            4       114       0      109      0                                            1        97       0       36      0                                      2474  16      146.sup.a,c                                                                              9      300.sup.a                                                                               9                                            4       154       7.5    382.sup.e                                                                               8.5                                          1       115       3.5    191      4.5                                    2481  16      157.sup.a,c                                                                              8.5    136.sup.d                                                                               7.5                                          4       135       3.5    191      2.5                                          1       104       1      164      0.5                                    2568  16      163.sup.a,c                                                                              9      109.sup.a,b                                                                             9                                            4       166.sup.a,c                                                                              5.5    327      7.5                                          1       140       1.5    327      3.5                                    2584  16      120       2      145      0.5                                          4       111       0      182      0                                            1       103       0      145      0                                      2592  16      118       1.5    237.sup.c                                                                               5                                            4       115       1      245      1.5                                          1       107       0       82      0                                      2622  16      115       3      327      1                                            4        98       0      109      0                                            1        95       0      136      0                                      2627  16      121       6.5    273      5.5                                          4       104       1.5    245      1                                            1        95       0      164      0                                      2628  16      159.sup.c 8      273.sup.d,e                                                                             8.5                                          4       136       3.5    191      2.5                                          1        95       0.5    136      0                                      2633  16      173.sup.a 9      436.sup.d,e                                                                             9                                            4       138       3.5    245      3.5                                          1       127       1      355      0.5                                    2634  16      173.sup.c 8.5    300.sup.e                                                                               8                                            4       130       4.5    327      5                                            1       113       0.5    164      0.5                                    2636  16      130.sup.a,c                                                                              9      191.sup.a,b,d                                                                           9                                            4       133       4.5    436      4.5                                          1       130       1.5    355      0.5                                    2637  16      147       6      327.sup.a,d                                                                             9                                            4       141       2.5    273.sup.e                                                                               2.5                                          1       104       1      245      0                                      2641  16      101       2      382.sup.d                                                                               7.5                                          4       101       0      245.sup.e                                                                               1.5                                          1        92       0      109      0                                      2668  16      144       8.5    300.sup.d                                                                               8.5                                          4       144       2.5    273.sup.e                                                                               1.5                                          1       124       0.5    327      0.5                                    2721  16      129.sup.a,c                                                                              9      300.sup.a                                                                               9                                            4       129       5.5    245      5.5                                          1       112       2.5    300      1                                      2722  16      143.sup.c 7.5    218.sup.d,e                                                                             7                                            4       149       2.5    245      1.5                                          1       126       0.5    300      0                                      2743  16      144       8      273.sup.d                                                                               8.5                                          4       170       2.5    245.sup.c                                                                               3.5                                          1       113       0      191      0.5                                    2744  16      124       7.5    245.sup.d                                                                               9                                            4       127       3      245.sup.e                                                                               3                                            1       104       0      382      1                                      2788  16      147.sup.c 7.5    327.sup.a,d                                                                             9                                            4       130       2.5    355.sup.e                                                                               4.5                                          1       138       0      300      1.5                                    2790  16      191.sup.a,c                                                                              9      364      8.5                                          4       180.sup.a,c                                                                              5      218      6.5                                          1       169       2      255      3                                      2798  16      124       1.5    355      1                                            4       101       0       82      0                                            1        96       0      136      0                                      3116  16      132       3      191      1.5                                          4       126       1      109      0                                            1       110       0      164      0                                      3358  16      159.sup.c 9      273.sup.a,d                                                                             9                                            4       156       5.5    300.sup.e                                                                               2.5                                          1       136       1.5    355      1                                      2598  16      111       8.5    150      3                                            4       120       2      133      0                                            1       111       0.5    150      0                                      2604  16      153       8.5    100      1.5                                          4       147       4      167      0                                            1       141       1      150      0                                      2605  16      123       5.5    133      1                                            4       120       1.5    167      0.5                                          1       120       0      117      0                                      2699  16      168       7      183      1.5                                          4       159       2.5     67      0                                            1       141       1       83      0                                      2701  16      138       8       83      2                                            4       129       7       33      0.5                                          1       123       1.5     67      0                                      2702  16      174       7.5    183      1.5                                          4       174       5      100      0.5                                          1       153       2      117      0                                      2707  16      159       7.5    100      0                                            4       156       3      117      0                                            1       108       0.5     83      0                                      2725  16      171       8.5     50      1                                            4       177       4.5    150      0                                            1       132       1      100      0                                      2726  16      147       8       33      0.5                                          4       132       3.5    133      0                                            1        99       0       83      0                                      2728  16      180       9       67      2                                            4       159       6.5     67      0.5                                          1       165       2.5    183      0                                      2389  16      159.sup.c 6      286.sup.b                                                                               8.5                                          4       115       3.5    200      2.5                                          1       105       1      229      1                                      2391  16      169.sup.c 4.5    243.sup.b                                                                               8.5                                          4       150       1.5    271      5                                            1       131       1      171      1.5                                    2487  16      169.sup.c 6.5    229.sup.b                                                                               8                                            4       150       2.5    271      5                                            1       131       1      171      1.5                                    2563  16      137       3.5    200      5                                            4       108       1      157      0.5                                          1        92       0      114      0                                      2570  16      150.sup.a,c                                                                              9      171.sup.b,d                                                                             8.5                                          4       169       5.5    243      5.5                                          1       143       2      271      2                                      2572  16      150       4.5    186      2.5                                          4       108       1      100      0.5                                          1        96       0       57      0                                      2574  16      134       6      143      2                                            4       127       2.5    214      0.5                                          1        96       0      186      0                                      2879  16      137       3.5    186      2.5                                          4       140       1      143      0.5                                          1       108       0      129      0                                      2996  16      137       2.5    171      3                                            4       150       1      171      0.5                                          1       124       0      114      0                                      3017  16      105       2.5    143      1                                            4        99       0      186      0                                            1        96       0       86      0                                      3018  16      108       3.5    129      2                                            4       105       0.5    157      0                                            115     0         129    0                                               3350  16      131.sup.a,c                                                                              9      129.sup.d                                                                               7.5                                          4       150       4.5    243      2                                            1       118       1.5    214      2                                      3022  16      124       3.5    143      2.5                                          4       108       0.5    129      0                                            1        92       0      114      0                                      3023  16      127       4.5    157      3.5                                          4       124       1.5    143      1                                            1        99       0      157      0                                      2418  16      150       3.5    103      3.5                                          4       125       1      169      1                                            1       125       0       94      0                                      ______________________________________                                          Footnotes                                                                      .sup.a Injurious                                                               .sup.b Malformed fruit                                                         .sup.c Smaller pods                                                            .sup.d Stimulated growth                                                       .sup.e Pear-shaped fruit                                                 

EXAMPLE 26

Several species of plants were grown in potting soil in four-inch pots in the greenhouse. Aqueous spray formulations containing 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide were prepared and the potted plants were sprayed at a spray volume of 40 gallons per acre (374 liters per hectare) and application rates of 16, 4, 1 and 1/4 oz. per acre (1.12 kg, 280 g, 70 g and 17.5 g per hectare). The spray mixtures were prepared by dissolving the proper amount of 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide in 15 ml of acetone, adding 2 ml of a solvent-emulsifier mixture consisting of 60 wt. percent of a commercial polyethoxylated vegetable oil emulsifier (96 wt. percent active ingredient, Emulphor EL-719), 20 wt. percent xylene and 20 wt. percent deodorized kerosene, then bringing total volume up to 80 ml by addition of a 0.156 wt. percent aqueous solution of liquid non-ionic dispersant (90 wt. percent active trimethylnonyl polyethylene glycol ether, Tergitol TMN-10). Two replicates were sprayed at all application rates. For comparative purposes, plants were also sprayed at 40 gal./acre with a corresponding solvent-surfactant mixture dispersed in water.

The following growth regulating effects were observed and evaluated:

Epinasty

Drooping leaves

Stunting

Formative effects on new growth

The total of all effects was scored on a scale of 0=no effect to 10=maximum effect. The results are summarized in the following table.

                  TABLE IV                                                         ______________________________________                                                       Appl'n                                                           Plant species, variety                                                                       rate                                                             and stage of growth                                                                          (oz/A.) Score   Description of effects                           ______________________________________                                         Setaria italica                                                                              16      0       No visible effect                                10-12 inches, 6-7 leaves                                                                     4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Sorghum vulgare                                                                              16      0       No visible effect                                DeKalb E-57   4       0                                                        12-15 in., 6 leaves                                                                          1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Zea mays, DeKalb XL-373                                                                      16      0       No visible effect                                16-18 in., 6-7 leaves                                                                        4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Hordeum vulgare, Larker                                                                      16      0       No visible effect                                10-12 in., 4-5 leaves                                                                        4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Oryza sativa, Labelle                                                                        16      0       No visible effect                                6-8 in., 3-4 leaves                                                                          4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Soja max, Williams                                                                           16      9       At 16 oz. new leaves much smaller.               9-11 in., 2 trifoliates                                                                      4       9       Epinasty on stems, formative effect              plus 1/2 of next leaf                                                                        1       4       on leaves, plants darker green in                              1/4     1       color.                                           Gossypium herbaceum,                                                                         16      3       Leaves were in vertical position,                Stoneville 213                                                                               4       0       rather than horizontal.                          8-10 in., 3 true leaves                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Arachis hypogaea,                                                                            16      3       Leaves drooping, slight epinasty.                Florunner     4       0                                                        6-8 in., 6 leaves                                                                            1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Medicago sativa, Kansas                                                                      16      8       Epinasty, formative effect on new                Common        4       3       growth; many new stems at base with                            1       0       formative effects.                                             1/4     0                                                        Linum usitatissimum,                                                                         16      2       Slight increase in axillary growth.              Linott        4       0                                                        6-7 in., 26-32 leaves                                                                        1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Beta vulgaris, Great                                                                         16      8       Formative effect (rolling) of                    Western       4       5       leaves, stunting, new growth                     5-6 in., 4 true leaves                                                                       1       4       inhibited.                                                     1/4     0                                                        Brassica napus, Torch                                                                        16      7       Formative effect on new growth.                  5-6 in., 4-5 true leaves                                                                     4       4       Stunting.                                                      1       2                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Phaseolus vulgaris, UI-114                                                                   16      9       Epinasty, drooping of leaves,                    14-16 in., 3-4 trifoliate                                                                    4       8       formative effect on new                          leaves        1       5       growth. Stunting at higher                                     1/4     3       application rates.                               Phaseolus vulgaris,                                                                          16      9       Epinasty, drooping of leaves,                    Topcrop 11-13 in.,                                                                           4       9       formative effect on new growth,                  3 trifoliate leaves                                                                          1       8       earlier set of beans, stunting at                              1/4     3       higher application rates.                        Cucumis sativus,                                                                             16      3       At 16 and 4 oz. per A. new growth                Marketer 11-13 in.,                                                                          4       0       stopped.                                         4 true leaves 1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Cucumis melo, Hearts of                                                                      16      2       Stunting, axillary growth                        Gold          4       0       inhibited.                                       9-11 in., 3-4 true leaves                                                                    1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Citrullus vulgaris, Congo                                                                    16      1       Slight increase in fruit set.                    8-10 in., 3 true leaves                                                                      4       0       Vines 18 in. in length had melons.                             1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Raphanus sativus, Scarlet                                                                    16      2       Formative effect on new leaves at                Globe 5-7 in. 4-5 true                                                                       4       1       highest rates.                                   leaves        1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Caucus cariota, Gold Pak                                                                     16      2       Formative effect on leaves.                      3             14 4 in., 3-4 true leaves                                                              4       1                                                              1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Allium cepa, Yellow                                                                          16      0       No visible effect.                               Bermuda 5-6 in., 2 leaves                                                                    4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Beta vulgaris, Detroit                                                                       16      9       Severe drooping of leaves and                    Dark Red      4       9       stunting. Leaves rolledtogether.                 4-5 in., 4-5 true leaves                                                                     1       9                                                                      1/4     8                                                        Lactuca sativa, Black                                                                        16      0       No visible effect.                               Seeded Simpson                                                                               4       0                                                                      1       0                                                                      1/4     0                                                        Lycopersicum esculentum,                                                                     16      9       Formative effect on new leaves at                Tiny Tim      4       8       all aplication rates, epinasty,                  7-8 in., 6-8 true leaves,                                                                    1       8       drooping of leaves within 24 hours,              blooming (6 weeks old)                                                                       1/4     7       much earlier and increased fruit                                               set (8-10 tomatoes versus 1-2 for                                              untreated plants)                                ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 27

Seeds of Williams variety Soja max were planted in a field in Missouri on May 15th. The compound 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide was applied at five different rates, (16, 4, 1, 1/4 and 1/16 oz. per acre) at four different times, July 7th, July 18th, July 27th and August 8th. Each application rate was replicated four times in four different soil fertilization programs. On July 15th there was severe hail damage to the plots in a spotty, non-uniform pattern which made it impossible to score the final results quantitatively. It was observed on July 18th that in damaged areas, some of the best plants containing the most seed pods had received the most severe injuries. An inspection of plants in less damaged areas on August 8th indicated that the application of 4 oz. per acre of growth regulant on July 18th had increased the size and number of seed pods, particularly in the upper one-third of the plants. Counts showed an average of 109 seed pods on the treated plants versus 86 pods on untreated plants. At the time of spraying the plants had been 30 to 33 inches tall, in bloom and with 8 to 10 small pods on each plant. On September 7th it was observed that both treated and untreated plots had shown substantial recovery from hail damage. Although many stems had been bent or broken off, new growth had occurred and more seed pods had set. Treated plants, particularly those treated at 4, 1 and 1/4 oz. per acre were still green and had many well-filled pods all the way to the top of each plant. Untreated plants had begun to change color, indicating that growth of beans had ceased and the ripening stage was beginning.

In a similar test plot of Williams variety of Soja max in Kansas, which was planted on May 30th and was treated with the same compound on July 28th at 1 oz. and 4 oz. per acre, a substantial increase in pod set was observed in August. On September 5th the plants were mature and had stopped blooming and setting pods. A count was made of pods and seeds on the best of three untreated plants selected at random and on randomly selected individual treated plants. Results were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Application rate,                                                              oz.per acre      0        1        4                                           ______________________________________                                         Number of pods,                                                                one plant        54       81       64                                          Number of beans,                                                               one plant        132      212      181                                         Plant increase   0        61%      37%                                         ______________________________________                                    

In another test plot in Kansas about 135 miles south of the one discussed above, seeds of Soja max of the York variety were planted in drilled rows 36 cm. apart on July 10th, after the harvesting of wheat in the area. The plants were sprayed with 1-(2-carbomethoxybenzoyl)-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide at rates of 1, 2 and 4 oz. per acre on August 24th. The plants at the time of spraying were about 21 inches (53 cm.) high and were in budding and blooming stage. On September 7th the plants were examined and were found to be still green and almost through with budding and blooming. Counts were made on groups of five randomly selected plants from each treatment of the number of pods set on plants. Results were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Application rate,                                                              oz. per acre    0       1       2     4                                        ______________________________________                                         Total No. of pods,                                                             5 plants        109     184     183   177                                      Percent Increase                                                                                0      69%     67%   62%                                      ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 28

Among the compounds referred to in the foregoing tables, interesting and useful growth regulating effects are also observed on other species. For example, tillering of Avena sativa (oats) and in some instances also of Triticum aestivum (wheat) was observed with resulting increase in number of seed heads by compounds numbered as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         2790            2882         3146                                              2822            2883         3180                                              2844            2885         3181                                              2845            3108         3210                                              2854            3109         3284                                              ______________________________________                                    

Among the preferred compounds of this invention are those wherein R is ##STR30## m is 0, R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl or benzyl, either of which can be substituted as shown in formula I. A more preferred class of compounds are those wherein Ar is phenyl or phenyl monosubstituted with fluoro, chloro, bromo, methyl, benzyloxy, methoxy or trifluoromethyl. The most preferred R³ substituent is methyl.

Another preferred class of compounds are those compounds of formula I wherein R is ##STR31## m is O, R³ is hydrogen or methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, Ar is ##STR32## n is 0 or 1 and q is 0, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof.

Still another preferred class of compounds are those of the formula ##STR33## wherein R¹² is hydrogen, lower alkyl or an agriculturally-acceptable cation and

R¹³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl.

A still further preferred class of compounds are those of the formula ##STR34## wherein R⁷ is --OH, --OR¹¹, --OA or --NR'"R"";

R¹¹ is C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₈ haloalkyl or C₃ -C₈ alkoxyalkyl;

A is Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or other agriculturally acceptable cation;

R'" and R"" are hydrogen or methyl;

R⁸ is hydrogen, methyl, nitro, chloro or fluoro;

R⁹ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl containing no α,β-unsaturation or benzyl;

Ar' is naphthyl, anthranyl or phenanthryl, or benzyl which may have one of methyl, methoxy, bromo, chloro, fluoro and tri fluoromethyl substituents thereon, or phenyl which may have one to three of methyl, methoxy, bromo, chloro, fluoro and trifluoromethyl substituents thereon provided that both ortho positions of phenyl are not substituted by methyl; and

R¹⁰ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₃ alkyl.

A still further class of preferred compounds are those wherein R is --CH₂ OH, R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, m is 0, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is naphthyl or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR35##

By the term "agriculturally-acceptable salts and esters" is meant salts and esters of the compounds of this invention which may be used in plant growth regulation in the same manner as the parent compounds to achieve the same effects. Such salts and esters do not adversely affect the activity of the compounds nor do they have a substantial adverse effect upon the plants to which they are applied for the purpose of achieving a beneficial effect.

Among such agriculturally-acceptable esters are those prepared from primary and secondary alkanols, such as those containing from one to about eighteen carbon atoms, haloalkanols containing from one to about eight carbon atoms, alkoxyalkanols containing about three to about eight carbon atoms and arylalkanols containing from seven to about ten carbon atoms. Exemplary of acceptable alkanols are methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, neopentyl alcohol, undecanol, hexadecanol, and octadecanol. Among exemplary haloalkanols are chloroethanol, 3-bromopropanol and chlorohexanol. Useful alkoxyalkanols include methoxyethanol, ethoxyethanol, butoxyethanol and such alkoxyalkoxyalkanols as butoxyethoxyethanol and ethoxyethoxyethanol. Suitable arylalkanols include benzyl alcohol and phenethanol.

Salts of the compounds of this invention include metal salts, ammonium salts, quaternary ammonium salts and amine salts. Numerous examples of such salts are found in the Examples of this specification. 

We claim:
 1. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of a compound of the formula ##STR36## wherein R is ##STR37## R¹ is --OH, --NR'R", C₁ -C₄ alkyl or hydrogen; Q is H or C₁ -C₄ straight chain alkyl;each of R' and R" independently is hydrogen or C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl, C₃ -C₇ alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl C₁ -C₂ alkyl where phenyl group is optionally monosubstituted by fluoro or methoxy, or R' and R" taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino ring; each R² independently is chloro, fluoro, bromo, methyl, nitro or trifluoromethyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; R³ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl containing no α,β-unsaturation, 2-hydroxyethyl, phenyl or benzyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₃ alkyl; Ar is naphthyl, anthranyl, phenanthryl or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR38## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl; R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1; the sum of n plus q does not exceed 3; and p is 0 or 1;or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 3. A method as in claim 1 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 4. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of a compound of the formula ##STR39## wherein R is ##STR40## R¹ is --OH, --NR'R", C₁ -C₄ alkyl or hydrogen; each of R' and R" independently is hydrogen or C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl C₃ -C₇ alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl C₁ -C₂ alkyl where the phenyl group is optionally monosubstituted by fluoro or methoxy, or R' and R" taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino ring;m is 0, R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl R⁴ is hydrogen Ar is naphthyl, or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR41## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl; R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1; the sum of n plus q does not exceed 3; and p is 0 or 1;or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 5. A method as in claim 4 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 6. A method as in claim 4 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 7. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of a compound of the formula ##STR42## wherein R is ##STR43## m is 0, R³ is hydrogen or methyl,R⁴ is hydrogen Ar is ##STR44## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl; R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino; n is 0 or 1 and q is 0,or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 8. A method as in claim 7 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 9. A method as in claim 7 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 10. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of a compound of the formula ##STR45## wherein R is ##STR46## R¹ is --OH, m is 0,R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, Ar is ##STR47## n is 0 and q is 0,or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 11. A method as in claim 10 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 12. A method as in claim 10 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 13. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of the compound of the formula ##STR48## wherein R is ##STR49## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 14. A method as in claim 13 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 15. A method as in claim 13 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 16. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of the compound of the formula ##STR50## wherein R is ##STR51## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl.
 17. A method as in claim 16 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 18. A method as in claim 16 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 19. A method of regulating the growth of plants comprising applying to the plants a growth-regulating amount of the compound of the formula ##STR52## wherein R is ##STR53## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl, in the form of the ammonium salt thereof.
 20. A method as in claim 19 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 21. A method as in claim 19 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 22. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plants an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR54## wherein R is ##STR55## R¹ is --OH, --NR'R", C₁ -C₄ alkyl or hydrogen; Q is H or C₁ -C₄ straight chain alkyl;each of R' and R" independently is hydrogen or C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl, C₃ -C₇ alkoxyalkyl or alkoxyalkoxyalkyl, C₃ -C₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl C₁ -C₂ alkyl where the phenyl group is optionally monosubstituted by fluoro or methoxy, or R' and R" taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a pyrrolidino, piperidino or morpholino ring; each R² independently is chloro, fluoro, bromo, methyl, nitro or trifluoromethyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; R³ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenyl containing no α,β-unsaturation, 2-hydroxy ethyl, phenyl or benzyl; R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₃ alkyl; Ar is naphthyl, anthranyl, phenanthryl or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR56## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl; R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1; the sum of n plus q does not exceed 3; and p is 0 or 1;or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 23. A method as in claim 22 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 24. A method as in claim 23 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 25. A method as in claim 22 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 26. A method as in claim 25 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 27. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plants an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR57## wherein R is ##STR58## R¹ is --OH, --NR'R", C₁ -C₄ alkyl or hydrogen; m is 0,R³ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₄ alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen Ar is naphthyl, or a group having one of the following formulae: ##STR59## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that both ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl; R⁶ is carbethoxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, phenyl or dimethylamino; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 0 or 1; the sum of n plus q does not exceed 3; and p is 0 or 1;or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 28. A method as in claim 27 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 29. A method as in claim 28 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 30. A method as in claim 27 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 31. A method as in claim 30 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 32. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plant an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR60## wherein R is ##STR61## m is zero, R³ is hydrogen or methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, Ar is ##STR62## each R⁵ independently is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, nitro, C₁ -C₃ alkoxy or C₁ -C₃ alkylthio, provided that ortho positions are not substituted by alkyl;n is 0 or 1 and q is 0or an agriculturally-acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 33. A method as in claim 32 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 34. A method as in claim 33 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 35. A method as in claim 32 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 36. A method as in claim 35 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 37. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plants an effective amount of a compound of the formula ##STR63## wherein R is ##STR64## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, and Ar is phenyl, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 38. A method as in claim 37 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 39. A method as in claim 37 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 40. A method as in claim 37 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 41. A method as in claim 38 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 42. A method as in claim 38 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 43. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plant an effective amount of the compound of the formula ##STR65## wherein R is ##STR66## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof.
 44. A method as in claim 43 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 45. A method as in claim 43 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 46. A method as in claim 43 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 47. A method as in claim 44 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 48. A method as in claim 44 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 49. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plants an effective amount of the compound of the formula ##STR67## wherein R is ##STR68## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl.
 50. A method as in claim 49 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 51. A method as in claim 49 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 52. A method as in claim 49 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 53. A method as in claim 49 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 54. A method as in claim 50 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 55. A method as in claim 50 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 56. A method as in claim 51 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 57. A method as in claim 51 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 58. A method of increasing the set of fruit on crop plants comprising applying to the plants an effective amount of the compound of the formula ##STR69## wherein R is ##STR70## m is zero, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is hydrogen and Ar is phenyl, in the form of the ammonium salt thereof.
 59. A method as in claim 58 wherein the compound is applied to the foliage of a growing plant.
 60. A method as in claim 58 wherein the compound is applied to the soil.
 61. A method as in claim 58 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 62. A method as in claim 58 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 63. A method as in claim 59 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 64. A method as in claim 59 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum.
 65. A method as in claim 60 wherein the plant is Soja max.
 66. A method as in claim 60 wherein the plant is Lycopersicum esculentum. 